There are many guides and articles online that detailed out the respective strengths and weaknesses of treadmills that are deemed the best of their lines. And indeed, for different needs and users, there are the perfect treadmills for each and everyone.

In this article today, we’ll introduce to you six treadmills from the company ProForm that may worth your time glancing over if you’re looking for one to begin or continue your training regime. If you want, you can skip all of the frilly introductions and straight into the reviews and right down into business. But it’d be best if you read everything to get a sense of what’s going on.

Introduction

When it comes to treadmill owners, of course, you’re going to have an immediate image of people who are conscious about their health. That’s the overall truth. In our extremely active and busy society today, not a lot of people can find the sort of precious downtime to cram half an hour to an hour to take care of their personal health. Treadmills offer everyone – and by extension, will also be you if you go ahead and invest in one – a chance to be healthy on-the-move, which is why it’s so popular an exercise machine in the first place.

And while we’re talking about treadmills, just like anything else on the market, there are many manufacturers as well as makes and models out there. This can be pretty confusing and can seriously discourage you from setting down your money to get one. Especially if you’re new to the sport and you really have no idea of what you should expect in a treadmill.

This is where ProForm comes in

The company is among one of the most popular and reputable treadmill manufacturers on the market at the moment. You can take our words with a grain of salt. However, the thousands of positive reviews and comments that the company had had across the wide range of products it offered will give you a peace of mind other than our words.

Not to mention ProForm’s 30 years of experience making treadmills and exercise equipment, we have a caveat of trustworthiness from the time that they do know their trade pretty well. And that, my friends, is the single reason why we have dedicated multiple of our articles just to talk about the products that they offer: Arguably, they’re some of the best out there when it comes to treadmills.

ProForm 705 CST Treadmill

With the 905 CST, we’re flowing downstream to the more middle-ranging treadmills that ProForm had to offer. Make no mistakes, they’re still formidable models that can seriously be of the same quality of higher-ending machines. And quite possibly, the 705 CST might be one of those rare treadmills.

By quite a margin cheaper than the latter 905 CST (About $300 less), the 705 CST has now fallen into the range of mid-high machines or those that are really confused and stuck between the blurry line between the elite machines and the more general kinds. But for all the things that it can do, by the end of this short review, you’ll be quite convinced like me that it definitely deserves its spot somewhere along with the tops.

No complaints on the frame, as always. It looks and feels solid in the steel color along with the black plastic/rubber support legs. If you assemble it correctly, you will find that it’s as sturdy as a concrete column. The shock absorbers right beneath the deck that are in charge of cushioning your experience will smoothen your run considerably until it becomes the pleasurable exploit that running should be.

The motor is only a small fraction under-powered than the 905 CST at 2.75 continuous horsepower in comparison to the latter’s 3.0. But as always, it doesn’t really matter since the motor can push itself up to a dastardly fast 12 mph. As I’ve already said, not a lot of people can keep the pace for long, anyhow, so the reduction doesn’t affect user’s experience much at all.

The deck is oversized just like the Pro-5000, which is one of its most prominent features. It is 60 inches long and 20 inches wide, it will give you the space you need to move and wiggle around all you want without bumping your hips into something and maybe get really annoyed as a result.

The 705 CST is also iFit compatible, and an alternative to 22 pre-programmed training regimes are also installed right into the machine if you don’t want to subscribe to the service. Besides, the old face in the form of the EKG heart rate grips also come back in this version, just as everyone had expected.

Information is displayed through the 5” LCD backlit display, granted, it’s not large, nor it is very detailed or feature-packed as higher-ending machines, but it’s just enough to be useful. The 705 CST also features an upgraded version of a more mundane feature in the form of music. Starring two 2” speakers for you to blast your hottest playlists while taking the deck by footfalls, you now have one more thing to keep you interested in the track. Compatible with iPod, if you have one. If not, you can always hook her up to a separate tablet.

Pros

Can’t really say anything about the build quality – it’s a well-balanced and sturdy machine at its core.

A capable motor – still strong enough to be effective.

Large, shock-absorbent, and 12% rotatable deck.

iFit compatible.

Has all of the techs necessary to function at a basic level.

Cons

Not much can be said, it’s faultless thus far.

Verdict

A good treadmill in general, it is among one of the more balanced designs stuck in-between the range spectrum. It can give you everything you need on a treadmill while holding the price reasonable, but you can’t really expect it to give you anything more than the most basic of functions. But for some people – and especially if you are one of those – the 705 CST is the perfect machine just because of that.

The first treadmill we have here today lies in the middle range of treadmills and primarily aimed toward those who are slowly upping their training closer to the professional level. And certainly, the Performance 300i offers everything that a person would need for semi-professional running. Not too much to rocket the price tag sky-high beyond what an average person could reasonably think of getting, but it’s not too shabby, either.

One of the best principle that ProForm has in its business that had helped its survival for this long on the market is the integrity and sturdiness of its machine’s frame. Whatever the price range of the machine you found that’s branded ‘ProForm’, you can expect the frame to be solidly built and can stand against an overwhelming amount of abuse.

Which is why the Performance 300i has a weight-bearing metal frame that can stand against the test of both daily, intensive training and time as well. Besides, the frame can also be folded to save the immense floor space the treadmill could take up that you might not have to spare. In all honesty, there’s nothing to complain about in term of ProForm machines about their frameworks.

The Performance 300i is praised for its quietness during operation. The 2.0 continuous horsepower drive system works in almost seamless harmony with the conveyor belt to provide the best experience, but at the same time with as little noise as possible. Treadmills are generally known to be noisy and can annoy quite a lot of people, especially those who value a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. ProForm surely has outdone itself in this department.

The deck can also be raised 10% to simulate an uphill run that will give you a challenge once flat-deck running became so easy and boring.

Under the 16×50 belt is a series of shock absorbers, patented as ‘ProShox’ that would absorb the brunt of your footfall on the belt. It would smooth the motion out and relieve the immense stress on your joints after running for some time – chiefly in high-intensity training. Your ankles would really thank you for the investment.

ProForm takes great pride and gives a lot of focus on its machines’ compatibility with technology. The Performance 300i does not pack a lot in its central console, but it has enough to suffice.

Begin with the EKG heart rate sensor on the grip that will monitor your heart rate while you go about and exert yourself. This will ensure that your heart will be at its fittest and you won’t accidentally strain yourself in the name of being physically fit.

On the central console, you can also see two rows of numbers that you can use to manually set the incline or the speed of the deck the way you see fit. The controls are designed for you to adjust the settings quickly without pausing or stopping your training and allow for a continuous experience.

All of the information will be displayed on the LCD screen right in the middle of the console, from your heart-rate to the equivalent distance of your run,… The LCD window is quite large and makes for an easier to look at the screen.

Performance 300i is also compatible with iFit – a pay-for-access service that contains an almost unlimited amount of training regimes and health settings for you to choose from. Thus, widening the possibilities and effectiveness of your training even further. But if you don’t want to subscribe to iFit, ProForm still offers you 8 training presets that you can choose from free-of-charge right on the machine.

Pros

Affordable.

A solid and sturdy machine.

Quiet operation.

Comfortable deck.

Has all of the critical electronic features.

iFit compatible.

Fixed the recurring error in ProForm machines: The Performance 300i’s instructions are now easier to follow as well as set up.

Cons

The belt is really short.

No information regarding the preset programmes, there’s really no way to know what they do or what they entail. So keep that in mind.

Verdict

The Performance 300i is a great mid-range treadmill. For the most basic usage such as weight losing or keeping in shape, there’s really no dispute that the Performance 300i can fulfill perfectly them all. Besides a few quite insignificant problems that it has, you shouldn’t really miss it out if you want an averagely capable machine that is in a breathable price range.

ProForm Pro 5000 Treadmill

Keeping up with the momentum, for this product we’re going straight up into the high range and crash into the realm of professional running. This is where everything is cut up to the extremes and where the best of machines can survive. The Pro-5000 is right there along with the top players, and rightfully so.

Sticking to the old motif, there really isn’t anything at all that can be complained about the quality of the frame. This holds even more true for a product of this high caliber and cost: The frame is stoic and hard metal. And the base is reinforced with support legs that provide another layer of support to bear weight up to 300 lbs. Whatever kind of pain you think that would break a treadmill, the Pro-5000 can stand while still challenging you for more. It’s also foldable, which is nice when you want to clear up some precious floor space.

The motor and deck combo is also a power couple and in the sweet range of optimisation that would give you a great time breaking sweats on. The 4.0 continuous horsepower motor can work itself up to 12 mph is more than enough to satisfy even the most serious athletes – and for general users, probably you will never push yourself to 12 mph at all and keep up. The deck is spacious – 60 inches long and 20 inches wide – you will have space to swerve a little bit and adjust your position on the deck without bumping too much into things and get annoyed or worse, hurt by it.

The deck can be inclined and moreover, declined. The declining ability is a pretty peculiar feature that not all treadmills currently have, and for the uniqueness, it makes the Pro-5000 stands out even more among the bright candidates out there. Respectively, it can decline 3% and incline up to 15% to give you the most amount of challenge a treadmill can give and it can also make your training much more fun and interesting in the process.

Here at this high price range is where ProForm shines best when it can have all of the creative license and ability to throw in its best essences into a product. And the enthusiasm is reflected nicely from the way that the central console is crammed with features that would make you want to spend an entire day on the track.

The first feature, as always, is the heart monitoring ability. Beside an integral pulse sensor built into the grips, the machine also comes with a special, wireless strap that’s much more robust and accurate in its heart reading. Your heart is now literally safeguarded.

The Pro-5000 is also iFit compatible, which is to be expected for a machine of the range. Although iFit is a subscription-based service ($9/month), it is definitely worth it to take the package to get the most out of the Pro-5000. You can really use the training guidance libraries, instructional videos, and Google Map route simulation. All of the features iFit has worth the $9 per month, I promise.

But even without iFit, the Pro-5000 will come pre-equipped with 34 training guidance apps that are professionally designed to keep your health up to the sharpest edge. So really, no pressure on getting iFit if you don’t want to or need it.

And at last, everything: iFit, your heart rate, speed, incline/decline,… all of the information and controls can be accessed through the high-definition 7” touchscreen on the main console. You can access the Internet through a built-in web browser, and that will also be where the data of and from your training is regularly updated at. And if you don’t like or just want to bring your own touch to the machine in general, no worry, there’s a place for you to put your tablet or phone and hook it right up in a bit.

Pros

A reinforced and durable construction.

Powerful motor.

Large, shock-absorbent deck.

Incline, and most importantly, decline ability.

iFit compatible.

Packed in every technological aids and feature under the sun.

Large, high-definition and connected touchscreen.

Cons

The machine’s manufacturer has a very lukewarm customer service department.

The return policy is a mess, although ProForm offers a 10-day money back guarantee, you’re still going to have to pay the return shipping and a restocking fee. Which is quite outrageous, to be honest.

Verdict

A brilliant machine for those who have a clear mission and a determination to be physically fit in mind, as well as the money to back the dream up. If you’re looking for something to test yourself and give you the most value, the Pro-5000 is a good consideration. All of the problems it had are mostly bureaucratic, and not engineering nor design, so you shouldn’t really judge the child by its mother in this case.

ProForm 905 CST Treadmill

Hanging around by the elites in the treadmill market, we have the lower tier noble being the ProForm 905. Less expensive than the Pro-5000 by quite a large margin ($500 lower), the 905 CST provides no less an experience than what you would get in a Pro-5000.

Once again with the talks about the framework, concrete and strong – no question about it. The steel frame can bear user weight of about 350 lbs, that is a little bit more than the average weight a treadmill of this size can carry. That speaks up something about the true core strength of the steel frame that you’re getting and will support you throughout your training.

The motor is 3.0 continuous horsepower, an entire unit less than what the Pro-5000 can give you and that’s mainly the price-cutting point between the two. Even with the decrease in power, the drive can still get you breathless after a few minutes at a top speed of 12 mph. At such speed, not a lot of people can really sustain for a long time anyway, so the retraction of 1.0 CHP isn’t really that bad of a cut.

The deck is shock-absorbent, as usual, and can be inclined up to 12%. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have the decline feature that the Pro-5000 is infamous for. Well, part of the price-cut, I guess.

The techs in the 905 CST is top notch for something of the price range, but still can’t really be compared to the Pro-5000.

Your heartbeat is safely guarded in the hand of the heart-rate readers in the grips as well as the heart-rate sensor strap. ProForm has never failed to include features that would monitor your heart beat even its lower-priced machines, so pretty much like the frame construction, this specialty of theirs always leave no fault for critics to find.

iFit once again makes an appearance, as expected. For the price tag of roughly $1,000, I would be surprised – and moreover, ProForm would take a lot of flak if they didn’t include iFit. I have already written enough about iFit in the previous section to put more into words. And as always, ProForm gives leeway to users if they don’t want to subscribe to iFit by offering 30 pre-programmed workout guidance free of charge.

All of the vital information will be displayed on a 5” backlit LCD screen. Unfortunately, it’s neither too large nor it is a touch screen like the Pro-5000, but it is enough for you to get all of the necessary functions working perfectly. And you can always hook up your own tablet or devices to the machine to get the Internet accessibility you need, so the lack of a good central computer doesn’t affect a general user that much.

Oh, and as a bonus, it also has a Coola Ire workout fan. It will come in handy during hot days and your A/C is nowhere near enough to cool you down.

Pros

Quality, weight-bearing, and foldable frame.

Strong motor.

Large, shock-absorbent, and 12% rotatable deck.

iFit compatible.

All of the necessary techs are available.

Cons

There is a fan – but be warned that it’s not really powerful.

Verdict

A good trade-off between a cheap and a quality, top-of-the-line product. You get almost all of the benefits of a Pro-series machine, while at the same time, the price is considerably more affordable.

And for all of the things that it can give, I would say that it’s not a bad, sensible investment if you’re looking toward something that can give you a much better experience than a low or mid-range treadmill.

ProForm ZT6 Treadmill

Lastly, we have the ZT6 treadmill, it is among one of the more affordable and aimed at casual joggers and runners treadmill.

The ZT6 can be skipped breezily through the most fundamental parts that we know to be strengthened and a specialty for ProForm. That includes the framework, nothing to really talk about here beside a quick message that it is strong and would bear 300 lbs and more with no problems.

The motor is by only 0.5 CHP less than that of the better model in this list here being the Pro-5000, with the latter at 3.0 while the ZT6 only sports a 2.5 CHP motor. Even if the slight difference, most of the time, won’t even be noticed at all, on paper it is still a loss to the ZT6. The belt size also lost to the Pro-5000 by a small few figures, 55 inches in length and 20 inches wide, the only difference between them is the 5 extra inches of the belt that the Pro-5000 has. As you can see, the two is neck-to-neck on a specification level.

Here is where the ZT6 falls in comparison to the Pro-5000 and really shows its price, while the latter offers a maximum speed up to 12 mph, the ZT6 can only push itself as far as 10 mph. The deck can be inclined to 10%, which is quite frown-inducing for the Pro-5000’s 15% inclination ability and an extra 3% declination.

And it begins to fall apart further for the ZT6 when you know of the technologies it carries that are far from the wonder that is the Pro-6000. The EKG heart rate grips is a must, however, the LCD screen is a 5” backlit window, and of course, not the touch screen the Pro-5000 is. The button rows clearly show itself as the cheaper models that ProForm sells, but it’s enough for the average users to use without making too much of a mess.

Pros

Strong framework and design.

Capable motor – just enough for the average runner.

A spacious deck for its price.

Has all of the necessities to function, and for the price, can’t really expect more.

Cons

No workout fans.

Lack of iFit.

The warranty package is mediocre.

Verdict

A good treadmill that’s an attractive possible investment for common joggers and runners who really don’t need a lot and also don’t have much to offer. It is a good choice if you’re part of this audience, and you don’t particularly look for longevity – which, to be honest, can’t be expected from the ZT6.

Summary

With the conclusion of our article on the variety of products that ProForm puts out, we’re going to say that throughout, even with the ups and downs, the company had delivered rather excellently what is expected of it reasonably. That is why, after all, it has survived this long through the years.

If you’re looking for a treadmill to buy, seriously, I really recommend ProForm. At least you’ll have an ease of mind with their proven expertise on the matter and the flurry of reviews thousands of customers had left, most with positive things to say.